Reggie Bush and former Australian rugby league star Jarryd Hayne might be competing at the same position for the 49ers, but he has no doubt Hayne will win a job.
Bush, in his first interview since signing last month with the 49ers, told The Daily Telegraph of Sydney he expects Hayne to make the 49ers’ 53-man roster after making the transition to American football as a running back.
"I’m sure he’ll make it, I don’t think there’s any doubt in anybody’s mind he’ll make the roster," Bush said. "He has all the talents and athleticism to be able to play in this league and to be able to play at a high level in this league.
"I think making the team is actually the least of his worries."
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Bush said he met Hayne in Australia and the men spoke about the possibility of Hayne trying to convert to an NFL career.
“He has all the athleticism and the talent to be able to make it over in this league so it was just a matter of if he was going to take that chance and he did and now we’re teammates,” Bush said.
“I’m looking forward to working with him and I think he’s going to be a great addition to the 49ers.”
Coach Jim Tomsula said at the NFL owners meetings that the 49ers plan to initially try Hayne at running back. He said it remains a possibility that the coaching staff will ultimately change him to a different position. Tomsula said Hayne's background in rugby league make running back and return man his most likely fits in the NFL.
“He’s a guy used to being downfield catching a ball with people running at him,” Tomsula said. “He’s used to making tackles in open spaces. You’ve got a guy used to carrying the ball, catching the ball and avoiding. Obviously, with the explosive qualities that he has, you can’t help but be excited.”
